Tnpsc Current Affairs in English – 14th July 2023
1. Which Union Ministry published the report of ‘Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI- D)’?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of MSME
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Answer: [A] Ministry of Education
Recently, the Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy (DOSE&L) has published the combined report of the Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) for the years 2020-21 and 2021-22. This report evaluates the performance of the school education system at the District level by establishing an index for thorough analysis. It graded 742 districts during 2020-21 and 748 districts during 2021-22 across India.
2. Compton-Belkovich is a volcanic complex on the far side of which celestial body?
[A] Earth
[B] Moon
[C] Sun
[D] Venus
Answer: [B] Moon
A significant granite formation was found beneath an ancient lunar volcano known as Compton-Belkovich. Hence, a new evidence has emerged supporting the notion that volcanic activity once occurred on the far side of the moon. This discovery strengthens the understanding of past volcanic eruptions on the moon’s far side.
3. The remains of ‘Wilson’s little Penguin’ have been discovered in which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] New Zealand
[D] Philippine
Answer: [C] New Zealand
Scientists recently discovered two fossils in New Zealand, unveiling the remains of the smallest known extinct penguin species called Wilson’s little penguin (Eudyptula wilsonae). These fossils were found in the southern Taranaki region of New Zealand’s North Island by Karl Raubenheimer and detailed in a study published in the Journal of Paleontology.
4. Which space agency has identified the farthest active supermassive black hole in a galaxy named CEERS 1019?
[A] ESA
[B] NASA
[C] ISRO
[D] JAXA
Answer: [B] NASA
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has identified an active supermassive black hole, marking it as the farthest one discovered to date. The galaxy hosting this black hole, CEERS 1019, has survived for over 570 million years since the big bang, and the black hole itself is smaller in mass than any other found in the early universe.
5. Scientists have discovered the formation of phosphine in which planet?
[A] Mercury
[B] Venus
[C] Saturn
[D] Mars
Answer: [B] Venus
The scarcity of loose hydrogen on Earth leads to the formation of phosphine, suggesting that its existence in other planets could be a potential indicator of life. A team of scientists at Cardiff University in Wales, announced a new development in the search for life on Venus. They have now detected phosphine in the planet’s atmosphere at a deeper level than their previous findings, which were reported in September 2020 and indicated the potential presence of life.
6. As per a new research, the 5,000-year-old skeleton, originally presumed to belong to a man, discovered in Spain, belonged to?
[A] A baby
[B] A highly respected Woman
[C] Bonobo
[D] Chimpanzee
Answer: [B] A highly respected Woman
In 2017, a new technique utilizing tooth enamel analysis was employed to determine the gender of ancient skeletal remains. This method has now revealed that a 5,000-year-old skeleton, originally presumed to belong to a man, discovered in a tomb near Seville, Spain, in 2008, actually belonged to a highly respected woman of that era.
7. Which institution released the report titled ‘Twenty Years of Child Trafficking Data’?
[A] IOM
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] UNDP
[D] UNICEF
Answer: [A] IOM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University collaborated on a report titled ‘From Evidence to Action: Twenty Years of IOM Child Trafficking Data to Inform Policy and Programming.’ According to this report, more than 50% of child trafficking victims are subjected to trafficking within their own countries.
8. Which city hosted the International Maritime Organization (IMO) summit in 2023?
[A] Pairs
[B] London
[C] New York
[D] New Delhi
Answer: [B] London
During the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) summit in London on July 7, 2023, maritime nations announced an enhanced strategy to achieve net-zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions “by or around” 2050, considering individual country circumstances. The preliminary agreement reached by participating nations states the goal of reaching the highest point of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping at the earliest possible time.
9. As per a recent study, Entamoeba moshkovskii a pathogen associated with diarrhea, is circulating in which Indian city?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Kolkata
[C] New Delhi
[D] Patna
Answer: [B] Kolkata
A recent study indicates that Entamoeba moshkovskii, a pathogen associated with diarrhea, is circulating in Kolkata. The findings highlight the epidemiological importance of E. moshkovskii infection in Eastern India, marking the first report of its presence in this region and suggesting its potential emergence as a new enteric pathogen in India.
10. Which institution has formed Expert Panels for enhancing the survey process in India?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] National Statistical Commission
[C] Reserve Bank of India
[D] Bureau of India Standards
Answer: [B] National Statistical Commission
The National Statistical Commission (NSC) has formed five expert committees to examine methods for enhancing the survey process and improving the quality of data in India. These committees will provide recommendations to the NSC on various aspects, such as integrating technology in surveys, sampling techniques, data collection procedures, and statistical methods.
11. ISRO announced to hand over which vehicle to private sector?
[A] Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
[B] Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle
[C] Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
[D] Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
Answer: [D] Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has planned to hand over its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector following two successful development flights. The SSLV aims to offer on-demand services for launching satellites weighing up to 500 kg into low-earth orbit. ISRO has opted to transfer the mini-rocket to the industry through a bidding process.
12. The University Grants Commission (UGC) removed the requirement of which qualification for applying for the position of assistant professors?
[A] Ph D
[B] M Phil
[C] M S
[D] M D
Answer: [A] Ph D
The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently revised the regulations on ‘Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges’. According to the new regulations, a PhD degree is no longer mandatory for applying for the position of assistant professor in colleges and universities.
13. Which country’s court ruled that a thumbs- up emoji sent via text message can be considered as consent to a contract?
[A] India
[B] Canada
[C] North Korea
[D] Australia
Answer: [B] Canada
In a recently held case, a Canadian court has ruled that a thumbs-up emoji sent via text message can be considered as consent to a contract. The case involved a breach of contract dispute between two companies, South West Terminal Ltd. (SWT) and Achter Land & Cattle Ltd., regarding the delivery of flax seeds.
14. Mukhra (K) is a model village situated in which state/UT?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Telangana
[C] West Bengal
[D] Gujarat
Answer: [B] Telangana
Mukhra (K), a model village in the Adilabad district of Telangana, has achieved the distinction of being the first habitation in the state to have 100% insurance coverage. It has received National-level Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh award this year, accompanied by a cash incentive of 50 lakh rupees. The village was recognized with Swacch Sujal Shakti Samman this year, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Shashaktikaran Purashkar last year, and the Biodiversity award and Swacch Sarvekshan Award for the year 2020.
15. Which state is set to place ‘Automated External Defibrillator” in all government buildings?
[A] Kerala
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Answer: [C] Uttar Pradesh
The Automated External Defibrillator (AED), also known as a shock machine, is positioned close to the patient’s heart to administer an immediate shock. This shock helps the heart resume its normal rhythm. The UP government will place these machines in government buildings to ensure immediate access to essential first aid in the event of a cardiac arrest occurring in these establishments.
16. Joro spiders, originally from East Asia, are spreading as invasive species in which country?
[A] India
[B] USA
[C] South Africa
[D] Germany
Answer: [B] USA
Trichonephila clavata, also known as the Joro spiders, originally from East Asia, have started spreading throughout the United States, establishing Georgia as their new habitat. These striking spiders are known for their colourful appearance and the impressive size of their webs. Female Joro spiders can grow up to 3 inches, while males are smaller. Joro spiders are orb weavers, spinning large circular webs.
17. Which entity has been recently brought under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)?
[A] Central Vigilance Commission
[B] Goods and Services Tax Network
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Central Bureau of Investigation
Answer: [B] Goods and Services Tax Network
The government has updated the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to include the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) among the entities obligated to share information with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). As the 26th entity on the list, the GSTN will be required to provide relevant information to these agencies when investigations fall under their jurisdiction or when the agencies request information for their probes.
18. Which company announced a breakthrough in creating Majorana zero modes?
[A] Google
[B] Microsoft
[C] Apple
[D] Samsung
Answer: [B] Microsoft
Majorana zero modes are a theoretical concept that mathematically represents electrons as composed of two distinct parts. Microsoft researchers have announced a breakthrough in creating Majorana zero modes, which will help in advancing quantum computing by enhancing stability and resilience in quantum systems.
19., Edgars Rinkevičs, who was seen in the news recently, is the President of which country?
[A] Italy
[B] Germany
[C] Latvia
[D] Belarus
Answer: [C] Latvia
Latvia’s long-serving foreign minister Edgars Rinkevičs was sworn in as the Baltic nation’s president for a four-year term. He is known for his tough line on neighbouring Russia and strong support for Ukraine. In 2024, he announced that he is gay, and hence Edgars Rinkevics is EU’s first openly gay President.
20. Justine Henin, who was seen in the news, was a famous sportsperson playing which sports?
[A] Football
[B] Tennis
[C] Basket Ball
[D] Cricket
Answer: [B] Tennis
The International Tennis Federation has awarded Justine Henin its highest honour, the Philippe Chatrier Award. Justine Henin won seven Grand Slam singles titles, an Olympic gold medal, and was part of Belgium’s team that won the Fed Cup (now called the Billie Jean King Cup) in 2001.